Definition: Dred Scott was a slave who was brought by his master in 1834 from the slave state Missouri to Illinois (free state). In 1846, Scott sued for his freedom, arguing that since he was brought to a free state, he was free. The lower court agreed, but the Missouri Supreme Court overturned its decision. In 1857, the case eventually made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that Scott was not free, and was subject to the laws of Missouri.
Dred Scott Case
By Jessica McElrath, About.com
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